Stray from Rays: Behavior Intentions of Artificial Tanning in College Students

The purpose of this study was to determine the behavioral intentions of college students towards tanning. The researcher’s hypothesis was that female college students would have higher behavioral intentions of sun tanning, and that sorority females would have higher intentions of sun tanning than non- Greek females. Skin cancer is a longstanding recognized health problem, and preventing sun burn is an important factor in lowering ones risk of skin cancer (Shovellar et al., 2003). Although the sun causes skin cancer was originally just an observation, many cellular have been done that now prove the link (Ibrahim & Brown, 2008). The research methodology used in this study was a quantitative, non-experimental, one shot case study in which a twenty two question Likert scale measured behavioral intentions of college students using tanning beds (n=117). The sample methodology was a non probability convenience sample. Descriptive and inferential statistics reported means and significant differences. Data analysis indicated that 31.6% of the participants definitely do intend to sunbathe in summer, and 35% of the participants know that tanning increases the risk of skin cancer but they do it anyway. The average score of surveyed college students in rural Southeast Georgia was 69.16, which indicates a medium behavioral intention of artificial tanning. Participants of the female gender were significantly more likely to tan, along with participants who had hazel eyes (p≤0.05). Recommendations would include more education on protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays, and alternative beauty treatments that can give your skin a natural glow, without the risk of tanning